Pike Fishing

Pike fishing is an exciting and often rewarding pursuit, as these predatory fish are aggressive, powerful, and known for their strong fight. Here's a detailed guide on how to catch pike:

1. Best Times to Fish for Pike

• Seasons: Pike are active year-round, but spring and fall tend to be the most productive. During the spring, they spawn in shallow water, making them easier to locate. In fall, they feed aggressively in preparation for winter.
• Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, though pike can also be caught throughout the day, especially during overcast conditions.

2. Habitat

• Shallow Weedy Areas: Pike love areas with dense vegetation, especially during spring and early summer. Look for them near weed beds, lily pads, submerged logs, and other cover in shallow water (5-15 feet).
• Drop-offs and Deep Waters: In the summer, pike often move to deeper water (20-30 feet) near drop-offs, rock piles, or submerged structures to stay cool.
• Shorelines: Pike are ambush predators, often found along shorelines, inlets, or areas where baitfish are abundant.
• Rivers: In rivers, focus on eddies, deep pools, and slower-moving sections with structure like fallen trees or rocks.

3. Best Baits for Pike

• Live Bait:
  • Large Minnows: Pike prefer bigger meals, so use large minnows or suckers (6-10 inches). Fish these with a bobber rig or a bottom rig near weed edges or drop-offs.
  • Dead Bait: In colder months, using dead bait (frozen mackerel, herring) on the bottom can be highly effective. Pike will scavenge for dead fish, especially in winter.
• Artificial Baits:
  • Spinnerbaits: Large spinnerbaits with bright colors and big blades work well, especially when fished near weed beds.
  • Spoons: Big, flashy spoons (like the classic red-and-white Daredevil) are great for pike fishing. Their wobbling motion mimics injured fish, drawing aggressive strikes.
  • Crankbaits: Large crankbaits in the 5-7 inch range, especially those that dive deep, are ideal for covering large areas and triggering reaction strikes from pike.
  • Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits, especially those that resemble baitfish, are another great choice for mimicking the natural prey of pike.
  • Topwater Lures: In warmer months, topwater lures like frogs, buzzbaits, or large poppers can be exciting to use, as pike will explode from the water to attack the lure.

4. Fishing Techniques

• Casting:
  • Cast near structure, weed edges, and shallow water. Use a slow to medium retrieve with pauses to give the lure a chance to flutter or "die," which triggers a pike's predatory instincts.
  • Vary your retrieve speed and style (steady, jerking motions, or erratic) to see what works best. Pike can be aggressive, so changing the lure's action can provoke a strike.
• Trolling:
  • Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or spoons along weed lines and drop-offs is effective, especially in large lakes where covering more water is necessary.
  • Set your trolling speed between 2-3 mph, adjusting based on how active the pike are. Slower speeds work better in colder water, while faster speeds may attract more strikes in warmer months.
• Jigging:
  • In deeper water, vertical jigging with spoons or large soft plastics can be productive. Drop the lure to the bottom and lift it with short, jerky motions to mimic an injured fish.
  • Jigging is particularly effective in colder months when pike may be in deeper water and less aggressive.

5. Tackle and Gear

• Rod and Reel:
  • Use a medium-heavy to heavy-action rod (6.5-7.5 feet long) to handle the strong fight and size of pike.
  • Pair it with a strong spinning or baitcasting reel with a high gear ratio for quick line retrieval.
• Line:
  • Braided Line: Use a braided line with a strength of 30-50 lbs. Braided line is strong, has minimal stretch, and cuts through weeds easily.
  • Fluorocarbon or Steel Leaders: Pike have sharp teeth, so always use a leader (20-40 lbs) to prevent bite-offs. Steel leaders are more durable, while fluorocarbon leaders are less visible to fish.
• Hooks:
  • For live bait, use large hooks (#4 to #1/0) depending on the size of the bait.
  • Treble hooks work well with spoons and crankbaits, but ensure you use barbless hooks in areas where catch-and-release is encouraged.

6. Seasonal Tips

• Spring:
  • Target shallow, weedy areas near spawning grounds. Pike will be more aggressive and easier to catch, as they actively feed after spawning.
• Summer:
  • Move to deeper water and fish along weed lines, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish as pike avoid the midday heat.
• Fall:
  • Pike feed heavily in the fall to fatten up for winter. Target shallow waters near shorelines, weed beds, or rocky areas with larger lures. They are more aggressive and will often strike at big baits.
• Winter (Ice Fishing):
  • Drill holes over deep drop-offs or near weed edges. Dead bait on tip-ups works well for ice fishing pike. Use large frozen minnows or herring on quick-strike rigs.

7. Understanding Pike Behavior

• Ambush Predators: Pike are ambush hunters that like to hide in vegetation or near structures, waiting for prey to come close. They strike fast and aggressively, often with little warning.
• Solitary Fish: Pike are solitary and territorial, so if you catch one, it's unlikely you'll catch another in the same spot. Move around and cover more water to find the next fish.
• Feeding Habits: Pike feed on fish like perch, sunfish, and minnows. They're also known to attack frogs, small mammals, and even ducklings, so mimicking a variety of prey with your lures can be effective.

8. Safety and Handling Tips

• Handling Pike: Be cautious when handling pike, as they have sharp teeth and gill plates. Use long-nose pliers to remove hooks and avoid putting your fingers near their mouths.
• Netting Pike: Use a large, rubber-coated net to land pike safely. This reduces stress on the fish and minimizes damage to its scales and fins.
• Catch and Release: If releasing pike, minimize the time it's out of the water and handle it as little as possible. Hold the fish horizontally, supporting its belly to avoid injury.

By following these tips, you'll have a better chance of landing these aggressive and exciting predators. Pike fishing can be challenging, but with the right techniques and gear, it's a rewarding experience.